“We’re not afraid of hard work, sir,” Macon said, his sincere respect for authority shining through. “I got farming in my blood, Artemis can hunt and trap like no other, and Gizmo can fix almost anything. We found Kitten surviving alone.” He nodded to Kitten, currently petting the yearling who was nibbling grass at the edge of the pavilion while Little Miss Purrfect snaked her body between his ankles, never one to be left out of the action.
“And how about you, young man?” Brother Larry addressed me directly. “You any good with those knives?”
I met his wisened gaze and got the distinct impression that he was sizing me up.
“Cipher’s a Rabid-slayer and expert tracker,” Macon said on my behalf.
“Is that so? How many Rabids have you killed, Cipher?” Larry asked.
“I don’t know,” I said evenly. “I don’t notch them on my belt.”
Larry nodded. “I can respect that. Most folks think killing Rabids is some kind of recreational bloodsport, but those are people’s kin. I tell all my brothers and sisters here in Promised Land that killing is a mortal sin, but when it comes to Rabids, it’s us or them.”
Amen to that, Brother Larry.
“That said,” he continued with a nod to me, “we store our weapons in the armory. No need for guns or blades amongst the Fellowship.”
“But how do you clear out weeds or slice a melon?” I asked.
Larry gave me an affable grin. “I appreciate your reluctance to lay down arms, my young friend. In Rabid Country, it’s a death sentence. Hopefully, with time, you’ll see that you’re safe inside these walls, and that the only thing you have to fear is out there.”
He pointed to the world beyond his well-constructed fencing, but my gaze remained focused on him. “I know what’s out there already, Brother Larry. It’s what’s in here that remains a mystery.”
His smile widened. “You’ve got spunk, kid, and I appreciate what you’ve done here, taking care of your family. All of them look well-fed, no signs of the fever, no thousand-yard stares. It’s not easy being the leader. No one knows that more than me.”
“I’m not the leader. We work as a team.”
“Every team has a leader, whether it’s stated or not. Here’s the thing, boys. We’re close to capacity right now, and with winter coming we have to be conservative with our food stores. However, if you could accomplish a very important job for me, I may be able to convince the Council to make room for you six.”
“And one cat?” I said.
His gaze swung from me to the cat and back, eyeing me like a con-man to his mark. “And one cat,” he affirmed.
“What’s the job?” I said, appreciating this exchange more than the polite chit-chat that had preceded it. Transactions, I understood. Reciprocity, I respected. If this man were to let us into his kingdom with no conditions or guarantees, I’d think him unfit to lead.
It seemed Larry appreciated my directness as well, and he dropped the cheery geezer act to say soberly, “We were expecting a midwife to arrive about a week ago. We’ve got a few ladies who are with child, and our country doctor’s experience with labor and delivery is limited to livestock. Unfortunately she never showed, so I sent out a search party a few days ago. We found her escort, torn all to bits. We think Rabids attacked them. We’re not sure if she got away and maybe got lost in the woods. If you could find her for us, prove your tracking ability, then I think we could accommodate you and your friends.”
“Another fucking side quest,” Macon muttered, but I was intrigued by the challenge, and the prideful part of me wanted to prove myself capable to the elder man.
“I’m game,” I said.
“I’ll come with,” Macon said.
“No, you stay here with our crew.”
I wanted more than just Artemis here if shit went sideways, and there was no sense in putting us both in danger. I was also faster and stealthier when working alone.
I pulled out my map, unfolded it, and laid it flat on the table. “Where’d you find the body?” I asked Brother Larry and he pointed to an area a couple miles east of here. I marked it with my knifepoint and folded up my map. “I’ll get rid of my gun,” I said to him. “Find a place to bury it in the woods before entering your compound, but I’m keeping my knives.”
The man squinted at me with hard, cunning eyes. “I pride myself in instilling a sense of safety in my flock.”
“My knives make me feel safe, and I have a sixth-sense for spotting Rabids. You never know when one might turn up.”
He pursed his lips and nodded. “Your party can camp here in the pastures while you’re gone. We’ll provide them with meals and protection, and for you, food to take with you on your search.”
“I appreciate it,” I said. I’d sleep here tonight, within the guarded walls of Promised Land, and set out at first light.
With that settled, Larry stood and offered his hand. “Good luck to you, Brother Cipher. Your people will be safe here in your absence.”
